Loved this book - a definite keeper. I could feel the main characters pain as she was going thru the things that happened to her. This is not something I can say for every book I read, unfortunately. Read this in 2 sittings. Just could not put it down.

Do not give up on this book. I almost put it down, as I struggled to get into it at first, but it turned out to be absolutely fantastic. The back of the book described a tragic love, so I knew the results could not have been good, but the book is so cleverly crafted that I kept reading expecting that the back cover lied to me. Amazing, amazing book.

I suffered through this read hoping it would get better but it did not. It just droned on and on. The characters seemed pathetic and not connected - not terribly developed. The story itself was very choppy, flashing back and forth between histories of a mother, Ann, and daughter, Alice, as well as what Alice is thinking while in a coma. A lot of extraneous dialogue not helpful for the flow of the story. For me the authors "voice" was not only offputting but unpleasant. Overall, this book seemed like it was written by a 7th grader just learning how to put together the parts of a story.

This is a well written book and the descriptions she provides are perfectly done. It is told in an interesting way. We know the main character is in the hospital but we keep moving between the hospital and earlier parts of her life. But it isn't as good as her first book The Vanishing Act of Esme Lennox.

Maggie O'Farrell's story was difficult to get into at first. Jumping time lines and points of view with little or no indication between paragraphs that the time line has changed. Patient readers will be rewarded by Part 2 when the story hits its stride. The story of Alice is about a wonderful love affair, a tragedy and a deceptive family history. Very emotional and satisfying read.

Initially, I found this book somewhat difficult to follow. The time lines shift, as do the characters' ages and interactions. I am so very glad that I stayed with it to the point where I couldn't put it down. Maggie O'Farrell did an excellent job of developing the relationships to the point where they all converged. I found myself deeply moved by the portrayal of raw, real pain, which everyone who has lost someone irreplacable in their lives and hearts will recognize. The ending was, in my opinion, perfect. We are left knowing that hearts will mend with help and sharing memories with someone else who cared as much will provide mutual solace.

Initially, I found this book somewhat difficult to follow. The time lines shift, as do the characters' ages and interactions. I am so very glad that I stayed with it to the point where I couldn't put it down. Maggie O'Farrell did an excellent job of developing the relationships to the point where they all converged. I found myself deeply moved by the portrayal of raw, real pain, which everyone who has lost someone irreplacable in their lives and hearts will recognize. The ending was, in my opinion, perfect. We are left knowing that hearts will mend with help and sharing memories with someone else who cared as much will provide mutual solace.